It was a lovely visit to storied Dockside Studio in Lafayette, LA, where the likes of BB King, Dr. John, CJ Chenier and countless other legends have put down some truly immortal tracks. Located on a 12 acre estate in the heart of Cajun country on the banks of the Vermilion Bayou, it was where I met up with Terrance, Danny and ace engineer Justin Tockit to finish up recording my score for the video trailer of “Lullaby Road.” This beautiful novel by James Anderson practically wrote the music for me, with its setting in the Utah desert I visit frequently, and its cast of rich characters. It’s been a pleasure bringing this project to life. I’ll be posting more as we approach completion.

The ‘Ampersand Tour’ shaping up for summer 2017, from The Carolinas to Canada

The “Ampersand Tour’ is aptly named, as I’ll be sharing stages with some special people. Kicking it off is a concert with my old friends The Unfortunate Rakes, a ‘conversations with guitars’ with Canadian fingerstylist Bob Adern, a guitar summit with Canadians McKinley Leonard-Scott, Tim Pence and Bob Adern…and more surprises to come. Stay tuned for updates.

Scores and Sheet Music now available as downloadable .pdf’s.

I’m so pleased with the success of my book The Mindful Guitarist, but in my travels and during lessons and workshops I also get a lot of requests for scores and sheet music of my compositions and arrangements. Just in time for the holidays, I’ve begun making some of the more popular ones available as .pdf’s for you to purchase, download and print. Each score also comes with an MP3 of the piece for that oh-so-helpful aural reference. And from now through Dec.21, if you purchase either The Mindful Guitarist or three .pdf scores, I’ll send you for free a copy of my Christmas/Solstice/Winter Holiday CD “There is One Story and One Story Only.”

Coming soon: I’ll be adding some of my pieces for guitar and other instruments, in full score and parts, including oboe, flute, violin, saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor), English horn, clarinet, cello, bass. Need a custom part? No problem; just ask.

Home Again…Off Again…Home Once More

After returning from a month of touring, I was gone for 10 days in September for Florida to produce dulcimist Marcille Wallis’ latest recording, with her full band. I’ve lost count, but Marcille and I have worked together now on a lot of music over the years. I’m finishing up the mixes and mastering. I’m looking forward to it, as I know she and the band is.

Oct. 26: Guitarists in the Round, Front Range Community College, Westminster Campus. Guitarists from across the stylistic spectrum in one evening.

Dec.2 and 4: A Celebration of Colorado Composers, Denver (I’m so excited to be part of this concert of Colorado composeers. My special guest will be longtime collaborator Craig Matovich on oboe/English horn–details coming)

In Concert, Friday June 3

Michele Castro and Michael DeLalla

in

Concordando: Brazil comes to the Grange

10.00 in advance/12.00 at the door

Children under 12 free

Happy Spring from Michael DeLalla!

2016 promises to be filled with lots of good music and travels. The performance schedule is progressing, with solo guitar shows, concerts with Ensemble Duende, a Colorado tour with The Unfortunate Rakes (March) and a solo east coast tour in June/July. Stay tuned for calendar updates.

The Unfortunate Rakes’ Rockies Tour in March

For 35 years Chas. Fowler (pipes/whistles), Bruce Wilkin (fiddle/banjo/bazouki) and Michael DeLalla (guitars/vocals/bodhran) have been performing the music found throughout the Celtic world. Their three recordings, including the live concert CD “Rakes Alive!” features music drawn from the traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Shetland Islands, Canada and the US. This tour includes shows in Ft. Collins, Boulder, Longmont, Westminster, Denver and Cheyenne WY. Don’t miss them! Here’s a quick look at the schedule; for details click on individual shows listed under Events to the right. And here’s a little video tease from “Rakes Alive!”

Ensemble Duende

“The duende, then, is a power, not a work. It is a struggle, not a thought. I have heard an old maestro of the guitar say, ‘The duende is not in the throat; the duende climbs up inside you, from the soles of the feet.’” – Federico Garcia Lorca

Duende is the spirit of evocation. It’s what brings forth a physical or emotional response to art, the chill down the spine, the irrepressible sigh, smile or tear when experiencing an expressive artistic performance.

With Ensemble Duende, it’s the very essence of their music, whether drawn from their classical training or the varied traditions found in the music of other cultures, or their intuitive improvisations. It’s a soul-sharing, a most intimate connection between the performers and their audience.

Compositions, arrangements and improvisations from this stellar line-up

Michael’s Summer 2015 Tour Schedule

It’s that time of year when I head to the east coast, a nice mix of concerts, workshops and a few private lessons (I have room for a few more, so hit me up if I’m coming through your town). This year, I’ll have my new book “The Mindful Guitarist” on the sales table. I’m also looking forward to sharing some stage time with some special friends, notably fiddler Carrie Bartsch and singer-songwriter Andrew McKnight.

As usual, I’ll be writing about the tour in ‘Michael’s Blog’, so tune in when you can. You can also read it on Facebook.

Remember when it comes to schedules, things happen…always check with a venue, or drop me a note. Here’s hoping to see you at a show.

See Calendar at right for ticket/reservations/directions for specific shows, or click on links

My New Book: The Mindful Guitarist

The Mindful Guitarist will cause you to rethink so many things you thought you knew about music. It’s not just a method book for classical and fingerstyle guitarists, but a profound look at Creative Process. Visit the Buy Music page to order your copy. Available in book form and all of the major ebook platforms.

A great trip to the Northwest, including some mid-tour R & R on the San Juan Islands, then back home to Colorado for a cup of coffee and a load of laundry before packing and leaving for the east coast tour. What a fabulous trip it’s been–be sure to read “Michael’s Blog” for more fun and insights. Now, time to finish the book, then hit the road again…Thanks to all of you who make it out to the shows and buy the music–your support and friendship has my undying gratitude.

2014 Pacific Northwest Tour Dates

Wed June 4 Portland OR: The Historic Old Church

Thu June 5 Lincoln City OR: Lincoln City Cultural Center

Sat June 7 Seattle WA: WORKSHOP: NOT for Guitarists Only: Improvisation as Spontaneous Composition, Dusty Strings Music Store & School

Music for St. Patrick’s at Boulder Beer

Fiddler extraordinaire Deb Switzer joins me for an afternoon of jigs, reels, hornpipes and songs from Ireland (and all the Celtic lands).

In 2014: Spring Tour to the Northwest, Summer Tour to the East Coast

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to the Northwest but I’ll be making concert stops in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington (hoping to also land a Vancouver BC show). Also on the schedule is a pair of workshops at Dusty Strings in Seattle. Then I come home, unpack, do some laundry and head off for an East Coast tour. Stay tuned for updates and more details–of the shows and workshops, not the laundry.

It’s here: EC’s must listens for 2013

Every year EC culls from the wealth of music she encounters for airplay on her KGNU-FM radio shows “Musica Mundi,” “The Heavy Set” and “Sound Lab.” You’ll find plenty to add to your iPod. Read about the artists and follow links to their music on EC’s Blog.

I’m back in Colorado after a great summer tour. If you missed my ongoing blog you can still check it out here, at Michael’s Blog—so many good stories! Photos and video coming soon.

After a little time to get re-acclimated to the Front Range I’m back to work on filling the calendar with shows and workshops. I’m way overdue to revisit the West Coast and Northwest—any ideas or offers to host a concert are welcome. I’m also hoping to get to do some shows in the Southern states in the coming year. And finally, I need to schedule some shows right here in Colorado. I’ll keep you posted here on the website.

“Seeking Wellness”, a new film about holistic medicine by Colorado native Rich Lukon, premieres Monday September 23, 6:00 PM at the Longmont Senior Center. Lukon will host a discussion about his work after the showing. I will be at the premiere, as will those featured in the film. More details to come.

Michael DeLalla’s new CD: “This is How I Disappear” is getting nice press!

Autumn finds guitarist/composer Michael DeLalla back in Colorado after a summer tour in the mid-Atlantic. Performances were in a variety of settings: solo concerts to celebrate his new release This Is How I Disappear, a show with his longtime partners in Celtic music The Unfortunate Rakes, a concert with National Autoharp Champion Bonnie Phipps, and a two-week guitar workshop. Check back frequently for newly added shows.

Michael DeLalla: Home again, keeping it local for a (little) while

Whew.

Six weeks. 8711 miles. I don’t think I’ve ever played a more gratifying tour–great venues that let the music sparkle, great audiences to soak it up. I can’t thank enough the wonderful radio and press along the way. And all the extras: plenty of sightings of old friends, lots of new friends, great regional food (I love this part of the job!), plenty of opportunity to soak up the varied cultures that comprise us. Thank you.

Back in Colorado now, with a slate of shows close to home–a great opportunity to connect with my Front Range friends. Check the Events sidebar for updates and more details.

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News from Falling Mountain

Michael’s New Book “The Mindful Guitarist” now available!

The Mindful Guitarist will cause you to rethink so many things you thought you knew about music. It’s not just a method book for classical and fingerstyle guitarists, but a profound look at Creative Process. Visit the Buy Music page to order your copy. Available in book form and all of the major ebook platforms.

Meet EC, Falling Mountain’s Director of Media Relations & Promotion

EC has long had her finger on the pulse of music from a world of traditions. We're excited to announce that she will be putting her expertise to work promoting Michael's music here at Falling Mountain. See more on the News Page.

New! Digital Download Cards: From “Making Music Matter” to “Making Music Organic Matter”

They're back for upcoming tours in 2015. Last summer these were a huge hit on the sales table--digital download cards. More plastic? No--the cards are made of biodegradable paper with wildflower seeds embedded. Read more on the News page.

Workshops

I teach a variety of workshops, geared to guitar players of all levels and non-guitarists alike. A workshop can be 2 hours, half a day before or after a show, a weekend or up to two weeks. Some favorite topics over the years (outlines available):

EXPANDING THE TONAL AND EXPRESSIVE PALLETTE WITH A FRESH LOOK AT RIGHT HAND TECHNIQUE
Guitarists tend to think of their instrument in terms of learning frets, fingers and strings. But there is a whole other dimension of expression that can happen when we think of the right hand differently. One of my most popular workshops.

NOT FOR GUITARISTS ONLY!
I often say I'm a musician first; guitar is only the voice through which the music speaks. What is the Creative Process? How do we find a voice of expression without getting bogged down in technique?
How do we learn to transcend the instrument? What is Creative Listening? A workshop for all musicians (guitarists, "fret" not: you will learn plenty about our instrument as well!).

THE PERFORMER AND AUDIENCE AS PARTNERS: COMPLETING THE CIRCLE
The target participants for this Active Listening Workshop: Adults with a mix of musical backgrounds, ranging from no experience with performing music to amateur or semi-professional performer.

IMPROVISATION AS SPONTANEOUS COMPOSITION
Many people think of Improvisation as some mysterious skill that happens "over the chord progression". We'll look at it a little differently in this workshop for all musicians.

NEW: THIS IS HOW I DISAPPEAR: THE GUITAR MEETS A WORLD OF TRADITIONS
"This Is How I Disappear" is more than the title of the new CD--it's a journey into an intensely personal creative process. I talk about "disappearing" as a creative necessity, and "reappearing" as its logical outcome, all exemplified by music from my newest collection.